Expensive Candy

Expensive Candy is a 2022 Philippine romantic drama film directed by Jason Paul Laxamana and produced by Viva films,[2] starring Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino. It marked Barretto's first venture into the sexy genre, which was given an R-13 rating by the MTRCB.

Expensive Candy
Promotional poster
Directed byJason Paul Laxamana[1]
Screenplay by
  • Jason Paul Laxamana
Story by
  • Jason Paul Laxamana
Produced by
  • Vicente del Rosario III
  • Vic del Rosario Jr.
  • Veronique del Rosario-Corpus
Starring
CinematographyMarvin Reyes
Edited by
  • Mai Calapardo
Music byPaulo Protacio
Production
company
Distributed byViva Films
Release date
  • September 14, 2022 (2022-09-14)
Running time
104 minutes
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino

Plot

The story follows around finding love in the most unlikely of places and risking everything to pursue it. High school teacher Renato "Toto" Camaya (played by Carlo Aquino) and hooker Candy (played by Julia Barretto) spend a night together and fall in love at first sight.

Toto is determined to win her love and spend as much time with her as he can, even if it means exerting effort or buying her time. Toto is a modest man who leads a simple life. His one and only desire is to be with Candy, and he will stop at nothing to make that happen. Candy, however, has other ideas and doesn't want to be in a committed relationship with Toto.[3]

Cast
Julia Barretto portrays Candy
Lead casts
  • Julia Barretto[4] as Candy: a sex worker and Toto's love interest.
  • Carlo Aquino[4] as Renato "Toto" Camaya: a respected high school teacher who fell in love with Candy.
Supporting casts
  • Francis Magundayao[4] as Gopez
  • Andre Yllana[4] as Wiggie
  • Ashley Diaz[4] as Letlet
  • Bon Jbeli[4] as Ben
  • Denise Esteban[4] as Bar Girl
  • Quinn Carrillo[4] as Angie
  • Ivan Padilla[4] as Justinian
  • AJ Muhlach[4] as TJ
  • Keagan de Jesus[4] as Olan
  • Aurora Sevilla[4] as Ruth
  • Marissa Sanchez[4] as Manay Ritz
  • Marnie Lapus as Yolly
  • Jobelyn Manuel as Ivy

Production

Jason Paul Laxamana the director of the film said that the storyline for Expensive Candy has been existing since 2015 but was shelved (up until 2022) because it was declined by companies and producers.[5] When Barretto transferred to Viva Films, Laxamana was told that she was in search for a project that would require her to level up as an actress. He then recalled the storyline he crafted a few years back and presented it to Barretto.[6] On November 30, 2021, Laxamana announced in his Instagram account that the film is in the works and is slated for release the following year.[7]

Release

Theatrical run

Expensive Candy premiered on theatres in September 14, 2022. The press conference of the film occurred last August 31, 2022 while the red carpet premiere took place at The Block Cinema of SM North Edsa on September 5, 2022.[8]

Reception

Box office

Expensive Candy had a domestic opening of ₱1.2 million[9] and earned ₱1.05 million the following day.[10]

Audience viewership

Expensive Candy was well-received on Amazon Prime Video, becoming one of the most watched movies in the Philippines.[11]

Critical response

Manila Bulletin gave the film a positive review, calling it: "alternately entertaining and moving". They also noted and praised Aquino's powerful presence throughout the film, also calling Barretto's performance beautiful and illuminating.[12] Fred Hawson of ABS-CBN News also gave the film a stunning score of 7/10, emphasizing Barretto's stellar performance a level-up from her previous works.[13] Film Circle Reject gave an overall mixed review, stating that "overall, it's just... okay. For fans of Laxamana like me, it's simply nice to see him back working on the genre. But admittedly, this is not his strongest work."[14]

Accolades
Year Category Award Giving Body Result Ref
2023 Most Outstanding Film Actress 5th Gawad Lasallianeta Awards Won [15][16]

References
  1. "Direk Jason Paul Laxamana, napaiyak sa premiere ng Expensive Candy". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2022-09-08.
  2. Salterio, Leah C. (September 6, 2022). "Marjorie Barretto supports daughter Julia's sexy turn in 'Expensive Candy'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  3. "Julia Barretto says mom Marjorie approves sexy role in 'Expensive Candy'". www.philstar.com. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  4. Salterio, Leah C. "Marjorie Barretto supports Julia's sexy turn in 'Expensive Candy'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  5. Salterio, Leah C. "'Expensive Candy' is Julia Barretto's most daring film". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  6. "Julia Barretto sheds sweet image for sultry role in". www.sunstar.com.ph. 2022-09-07. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  7. "Julia Barretto, Carlo Aquino to star in "Expensive Candy"". ph.news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  8. "Direk Jason Paul Laxamana, napaiyak sa premiere ng Expensive Candy". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2022-09-07.
  9. "Candy… ni Julia, malungkotang naging resulta!". www.philstar.com. 2022-09-17. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
  10. "Expensive Candy nina Julia Barretto at Carlo Aquino, magkano ang kinita sa box office?". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
  11. "Mga teleserye ng ABS-CBN, namamayagpag sa streaming sites at free TV". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
  12. "MOVIERGOER: Great but Expensive sex – Manila Bulletin". mb.com.ph. Retrieved 2022-09-08.
  13. Hawson, Fred. "Review: 'Expensive Candy' a showcase for Julia Barretto". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
  14. "Review: 'Expensive Candy'". instagram.com/filmcirclereject/. Retrieved 2022-12-09.
  15. "Kapuso talents, shows nominated in the 5th Gawad Lasallianeta | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 2023-01-13.
  16. "Congratulations Ms. JULIA BARRETTO,... - Gawad Lasallianeta". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-01-13.
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